Rise up and vote on June 5

“Raise a glass to Freedom, something they can never take away.”

Orange County has been abuzz over the musical “Hamilton,” which recently concluded its sold-out run. Who could have imagined a younger generation so engaged in learning, singing, and rapping about the American Revolution?

The right to vote is one of the things for which that revolution was fought, and won. Though, as the Schuyler sisters point out in the musical, not everyone was included:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident/That all men are created equal/And when I meet Thomas Jefferson/I’m a compel him to include women in the sequel.”

Women and people of color have had to protest, march, fight and sometimes die for the right to vote in this country, just as the American revolutionaries once did. Around the world right now people are fighting and dying to gain and protect their freedom, including the right to vote.

We all owe a debt to those who fought for our freedom and the rights we too often take for granted. We cannot squander their sacrifices.

That debt is payable by participation in the democratic process. That debt is payable by voting. And not just in the presidential elections, but in local ones, like the one coming up June 5 in our city.

So yes, I’ll vote on June 5, I always do. I see it as a civic duty. It’s a right, but also a responsibility I owe to my country and my community.

We also owe a debt to our veterans who served and fought to protect us and our freedoms. So I’ll vote “Yes” on B to give them the cemetery they want, and so richly deserve. We hope you will too. Either way, please vote. It’s the way we can make a difference.

“America, you great unfinished symphony. ​“You sent for me. You let me make a difference.

“A place where even orphan immigrants can leave their fingerprints and rise up.” ​

Take time to appreciate our city

Life is pretty good here in Irvine. It’s a great place to raise a family, go to school, play a sport, ride a bike, take a hike and have a meal. We have a fiscally responsible municipal government, a healthy local economy, safe neighborhoods, great public schools, a diverse and highly educated populace, cutting-edge business and tech centers, and the intellectual, scientific and cultural vigor that a world-class university brings us.

It’s a place that draws individuals and families from across the state, nation and the world. In Irvine, generations of residents have pivoted their family’s fortunes toward a better future.

Those of us who work, live, and study here are fortunate. So why is everybody always complaining?

Social media and online forums are filled with angry messages and responses, some of which are regrettably personal attacks between those who are neighbors, if not neighborly. Campaign signs are up.

We get it. There are important issues facing the city upon which reasonable minds might differ. And there are those who enjoy riling things up, or believe they benefit from doing the same.

But sometimes we wish we could do so with a bit more civility. Here’s a suggestion: Let’s take a minute. Turn off our phones. Close our laptops. It’s time to lift our collective heads and look around. We live in a special place. Schools are exceptional. Roadways are clean. Parks and open space plentiful and safe. Bike and walking trails stretch for miles. This is Irvine, this is why multiple magazines claim our city as one to appreciate, emulate and enjoy.​Let’s stop listening to the negativists and stop pitching personal barbs. It is time to start believing what outsiders have envied for so long. Irvine is special. We all want to protect what we love about our home, but let’s do make our points without the toxic rhetoric and sophomoric swipes.